Vehicle steering and control apparatus



May 10, 1960 H. w. RocKwELL 2,936,039

VEHICLE STEERING AND CONTROL APPARATUS Filed March 23, 1959 4 sheets-sheet 1 la f i J3 :t

liga-1 @mM/wy May 10, 1960 H. W. RocKwELL 2,936,039

VEHICLE STEERING AND CONTROL APPARATUS Filed March 23, 1959 v 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 zw ccf/i315 May 10, 1960 H. w. RocKwELL. 2,936,039

VEHICLE STEERING AND CONTROL APPARATUS Filed March 23, 1959V 4 sheets-sheet s May l0, 1960 H. w. R'ocKwELL 2,936,039

VEHICLE STEERING AND CONTROL APPARATUS Filed March 23, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 This invention relates generally to a steering and weight United States Patent@ 2,936,039 Patented May 10, 1,960

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and which includes an auxiliary steering actuating device to be automatically activated when the tractor and' trailer operate as a two axle vehicle.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved steering apparatus, for a vehicle of the character described, wherein a single manually operative steering shaft guides the tractor and trailer duringaoperation' as a three axle vehicle and also manipulates the auxiliary wagon type steering system during operation asaJtwot axle vehicle.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a unitary steering apparatus with a single hand wheel to transfer control apparatus forv anarticulated self-propelled earth working vehicle of the type adapted to operate as a three axle vehicle and as a two axle vehicle alternatively. More specifically this invention relates to a manually operated weight transfer control device for actuating aV hydraulic motor system to convert a two axle tractor and a single axle trailer from a three axle to atwo axle vehicle; and also relates to a manually operated steering device whose operation is coordinated with said weight transfer device for providing steering control of the tractors steerable wheels while operating as a three axle vehicle and for providinglmanual steering control of van i i' auxiliary wagon type steering system that guides the vehicle during two axle operation.

When a two axle tractor unit and lsingle axle trailer unit of the character described operate as a three axle vehicle, steering is accomplished by means of the tracn tor front wheels which are controlled by the usualmanually operated steering assembly, A threeY axle vehicle of this type is usually converted into a two. axle vehicle by actuating a hydraulic weight transfer jacktht is op-` eratively interposed between the tractor and trailer and which is effective ,when actuated to raise the tractors steerable front wheels oif the ground. Two axle operation of the vehicle is usually resortedV to in vorder to obtain better maneuverability and increased-tractive power. 'This increase of tractive power is, of course, due to thefact that the weight normally supported by the tractors front:

tractor unit and trailing unit for controlling theangu- ,Y

lar relationship about a vertical pivot axis. Y

A steering and weight transfer control apparatus to operate the steering and weight transfer systems for a vehicle of this type must be designed to enable a driver to manipulate as few manual controls as possible Yand yet enable him to have complete control of the vehicle at all times. Also, to be commercially feasible the manfual controls should be designed so that they willl be easy to manipulate and'be readily familiar to drivers ex'V perienced in operating the more conventional automotive type earth moving vehicles. need for extensive driver training in order to qualify proal icient operators. It is, therefore, an object of thepresent invention to provide a steering and control apparatus of the character described which will take care of the requirements here-l inbefore described in an entirely satisfactory manner.

It is a further object of this invention to provide al steering mechanism, for a vehicle of the character-*de` scribed, which is effective to control the tractor's steerable front wheels while operating as a three axle vehicle This tends to minimize the *i guide the tractor and trailer during operation as either. afthree axle vehicle orv a two axle vehicle and which is coordinated with the weight transfer control mechanism1 whereby the auxiliary steering mechanism is automatically engaged upon operation of the weight transfer control mechanism. ,f It is a further object of the invention to provide a vehicle of the character described with a foot pedal for actuating the weight transferr system and wherein actu-` ation of the weight transfer pedal automatically connectsv an auxiliary steering actuating lever with themanually operable steering shaft, the latter being operative to control the steerable tractor wheels during operation as a three axle vehicle and the wagon type steering during operation as a two axle vehicle.

These and other advantages and objects will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description is read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a three axle vehicle including a two axle tractor unit articulated with a single axle scraper unit, a portion of the tractor body being cut away to show the location of the manually operated steering and weight transfer control apparatus; Fig. 2 shows the three axle vehicle of Fig. l converted into a two axle vehicle wherein the tractor unit istilted l with respect to the scraper unit so that its front wheels are raised off the ground;

Fig. 3 lshows the manually operated steering apparatus for guiding the tractors steerable front wheel during three axle operation and for controlling the auxiliary wagon type steering system during two axle "operation, also diagrammatically shown is the air pressure system for activating the auxiliary steering control mechanism;

Fig. 4 shows a sectional View of the manual steering apparatus of Fig. 3 with the auxiliary steeringrcontrol mechanism in the activated condition; Fig. 5 shows the hitch mechanism for the vehicle of Fig. l and also shows a diagrammatic View of the hy# draulic system including the control valving which is manipulated by the steering and weight transfer control apparatus, the' hydraulic system being disposed inthe the hydraulic control valving disposed in the weighty transfer hold auxiliary steering hold position; and

Fig. 9 shows the hitch mechanism and the weight trans-` fer valve and weight transfer control apparatus in the intermediate or weight transfer hold position, as shown' in Fig. 8, with the steering control apparatus placing the steering valve system in the right turn position.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 5, the new and useful steering and weight transfer control apparatus 170 that will be disclosed and claimed herein is particularly adapted to operatea fluid pressure Vsystemrthat has been tailored-to meet the requirements of the articulated self-propelled earth working vehicle 11. This vehicle is designed to be operated as 1a three axle vehicle at higher speeds and low traction requirements and as a two axle vehicle at lower speeds and high traction requirements. Vehicle 11 iscomprised of a tractor unit 12 which is `articulated with a scraper unit 13 by means of a hitch mechanism 14. The relationship of the steering and control apparatus 170 and fluid pressure system 15, best shown in Fig. 5, will be described in detail hereinbelow.

Referring to Figs. 1- and 2, tractor unit 12 is a two axle Vtype particularly suited for drawing scraper 13 and includes a pair of front inflated rubber tired dirigible steering wheels 16, only one of which is shown, and a pair of inflated rubber tired driving or traction wheels 18, only one being shown. The tractor wheels .are carried on the main frame 21 in the conventional manner. Main frame 21 of the tractor is a unitary structure which carries a forward mounted engine 22; a conventional power train for driving the traction wheels 18 which includes transmission and differential gearing, not shown, and an operators station 23. i

Tractor 12 is guided by means of steerable wheels 16 which are controlled Aby a steering apparatus 24, shown also in Figs. 3 and .4. Steering apparatus 24 includes the usual steering hand wheel 26 which is iixed on a steering post or shaft 27, shown best in Figs. 3 and 4. Shaft 27 is carried within the usual steering column 23 attached on a support housing 29 which in turn is supported on the tractor main frame 21. Steeringv apparatus 24 also includes an auxiliary steering mechanism 25 which will be described in detail hereinbelow.

An output or rock shaft 311 is journaled in housing 29 and is drivingly connected with the manually operable steering shaft 27 by means of the conventional worm gearing, not shown. A pitman arm 32 is carried on rock shaft 31 and is connected by means of a connecting rod 33 with the steering knuckle assembly 34 which is of the well known Ackerman type. A power assist, not shown, may also be incorporated into the Ackerman steering linkage inthe conventional manner for augmenting the steering of the dirigible tractor wheels 16. From the foregoing it will be-readily seen that shaft 31, arm 3-2, rod 33 and assembly 34 together form a motion translating means vfor interconnecting steering shaft 27 with the steerable ground wheel 16.

Referring to Fig. l, the scraper unit is of the conventional single axle type having an earth receiving bowl 37; a pair of laterally opposite side walls 38, only one o f which is shown; and a bottom 39 which at its forward end is provided with a cutting blade 40. The rear of the bowl 37 is normally closed by the ejector 41 which isgadapted to be moved forward through the bowl to' discharge, in the conventional manner, material that has been collected therein. The front of the scraper bowl is closed by an apron, not shown, which is also of conventional design being pivoted to the ejector 41 and` movable between a closed and an open position.

Bowl 37 is supported adjacent its rearward end by a. pair of transversely spaced inated rubber tired ground engaging wheels 44, only one of which is shown. The forward end of bowl 37 is supported by a yoke or draft frame 45 which includes a pair of side arms 46, only one being shown, pivotally connected respectively to the side Walls 38 by means of pins 47, only one of which is shown. Bowl 37 is adapted to be lowered into a loading position and raised to 4a travel position in the usual manner by means of a double acting hydraulic jack 48. The forward end of the draft frame 45 is provided with the Well known gooseneck 49, the forwardmost portion of which carries a king pin'housing 51 for connecting the scraper unit 13 with the hitch mechanism 14. i

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 5, hitch mechanism 14 is designed to permit tractor 12 to be articulated with scraper 13 about a vertical pivot axis, a transverse horizontal pivot axis and a longitudinal pivot axis. Hitch mechanism 14 comprises a base plate member 52 having a pair of journal brackets 53 connected by means of pins 54 and 54 on the opposite lateral side beams 56 and 57 of the tractor main frame 21. Pins 54 and `54 are positioned forwardly of and slightly above the rear axle 58 of the tractor and share a common horizontal axis 60, best shown in Fig. 5, extending transversely of the tractor, about which plate 52 may swing.

A pair of single acting hydraulic weight transfer jacks v operatively interposed respectively between the tractor main frame 21 and the base plate 52.` l ack 61 is of conventional design and includes a ram element 63 which is extendible and retractable within cylinder element 64; and jack 62 includes a ram element 65 which is extendible and` retractable within cylinder element 65. Cylinders 64 and 66 are respectively pivotally connected to the tractor fmain frame side beams 56 and 57 at 69 and 70; and the rams 63 and 65 are pivotally connectedrespectively to opposite sides of base plate 52 at 74 and 75. Although the base plate 52 is free to pivot about pivot axis 60, it may be restrained by action of the Weight transfer jacks 61 and 62.

The combinationof jacks 61 and 62 with the tractor main frame and with the hitch-mechanism in effect comprises a weight transfer system. The operation and control of this system will be described in further detail hereinbelow in conjunction with steering and control apparatus 170 and hydraulic system 15. l Y A second hitch member includes a sleeve portion 81 which is carried on the base plate 52 by means of pin 82 which provides a horizontal pivot axis 83 extending longitudinally of tractor 12. Hitch member 80 is free to oscillate about axis 83 through a limited arc. An upstanding king pin 87 is rigidly carried on the sleeve portion 81 and provides a vertical pivot axis 88 which is perpendicular to pivot axis 83. The king pin 87 is journaled by suitable bearings within king pin housing 51 of the draft frame to permit relative angling of the scraper unit with respect to the tractor unit about pivot axis 88.

An elongated Subframe structure 89 is rigidly connected on the sleeve portion and extends rearwardly of the king pin 87 and underneath the arc of gooscneck 49. Subframe 89 carries a pair of double acting hydraulic steering jacks 90 and 91 that serve as the motor means for the auxiliary wagon type steering.

The hydraulic pressure cylinders 93 and 95 of jacks 90 and 91 are pivotally connected respectively in thrust transmitting relationship with the rearward portion of the Subframe 89 by means of vertical pivot pins 97 and 98. Rams 94 and 96, respectively, are relatively expansible and contractible withcylinders 93 and 95 and are connected respectively to the king pin housing by means of the thrust transmitting linkages 99 and 99. During normal 'three axle operation of vehicle 11 rams 94 and 96V iioat within cylinders 93 and 95 permitting scraper 13 to articulate freely with tractor 12 about pivot axis 88. Jacks 90 and 91, however, are hydraulically locked automatically by the hydraulic system whenever the weight transfer system is actuated by apparatus for converting the tractor and scraper into a two axle vehicle.

control and operation of this system will be described in further detail hereinbelow in conjunction with apparatus 170 and hydraulic system 15.

Hydraulic system 15, vwhich is the operation of steer-1A chronizing the operation of the yweight transfer systeml with the operation of the auxiliary wagon type steering' flow therein the usual manner.

system. This synchronizing is accomplished by means of a two spool hydraulic control valve 107 which in effect has two separate control Valve systems, one serving as a weight transfer valve system for controlling the single acting weight ltransfer jacks 61 and 62 and the second serving as a steering valve system for controlling the operation of the auxiliary steering jacks `90 and 91;"r

VvIn order to fully disclose the best known means for performing the present invention the details of hydraulic system will now be briey described. Hydraulic system 15 includes control valve 107, a hydraulic iuid reservoir 108 and an engine driven hydraulic pump 109 whichy receives fluid from the.` reservoir by means of an intake conduit 110. Pump 109 delivers pressurized hydraulic fluid to -the pumpport 111 of a two spool control valve housing 112 by means of conduit 113. Pump port 1,11 in turn communicates with an inlet chamber 1'16V formed within housing 112 of control valve 107. An exhaust passage 117 is-formed by the interior walls ofvvalve housing 112.VV Hydraulic uid is returned from exhaust passage 117 to reservoir 108 by means of return conduits 118 and 119.

and -62 which will be more fully explained hereinbelow.'-

passage 117 is a relief passage 121 having a relief port 122 for seating a spring loaded relief valve 124. Relief valve 124 is of the conventional design and construction and serves to prevent an undesirable pressure build up by opening the inlet chamber 116 for fluid'communication with the exhaust chamber 117 in response to excessive pressure within chamberv 116.

Control valve 107 in effect has two separate control valve systems, one serving as a weight transfer valve system for controlling the single acting weight transfer jacks 61 and 62 and the second serving as a steering valve system for controlling the operation of the auxiliary steering jacks 90 and 91..

A pair of spaced parallel' valve spool bores 126 and 127 are formed respectively within housing 1-12. Valve spool bore 126 is a basic part of the auxiliary steering control valve system and has formed therein a pair of spaced annular inlet ports 128 and 129; a pair of annular load ports 131 and 132; a pair of exhaust ports 133 and 134 formed respectively at the intersection of the bore 126 and the exhaust chamber 117; and an annular outlet port 136. Port 136 is connected by a cross passage 137 with an annular inlet port 138 formed within bore 127. v

Carried in bore 126 is an elongated valve spool 140 having a series of land portions 141, 142 and 143 formed thereon for controlling interport flow within bore 126 A biasing spring 144 is carried on in the usual manner. one end of spool 140 and is confined between'slidable sleeve 146 and flange member 147. Sleeve' 146 and flange 147 in turn transmit thrust between the valve spool and housing 112 to effectively center spool 140 in the position shown in Fig. 5.

i Bore 127 is a basic part'of the weight transfer control valve system and has an annular load. port 145; and an inlet port 138. Port 145 is interconnected for liu-id communication with cylinders 64 and 66 of weight transfer jacks 61 and 62 by means of conduits 148 and 149. Also formed within bore 127 are a pair of annular exhaust ports 150 and 151; and a pair of annular relay ports 152 and 153. Ports 152 and 153, respectively, are

'cross connected for communication with load'ports 131 nd"132 by means of cross connecting passages 154 and .155 `formed within housing112. Both of ports .152 and 153 are Yalso cross connected'for fluid communication with one end of each of cylinders 93 vand 95, respective- 1y, by means of conduits 156V and 157, and conduits 158 and, 159. A valve spool 164 having land portions 165, 166 and 167 is carried within bore 127 for controlling interport and 153 and load ports 145 are al1 located within the. valve bore'r127, valve spool 164 is operativeto control` a float and a hold position for the auxiliary steeringjacks 90 and 91, as well as the weight transfer jacks'61 Steering and weight transfer control apparatus Referring to Figs. 3, 4 and 5, the manually actuated vehicle steering and control apparatus 170 comprises a weight transferv actuating mechanism 171 Vand a steering mechanism 24. Actuating mechanism 171 provides a means for manually adjusting the weight transfer valve spoo-l 164 to operate the weight transfer jacks 61 and 62. Steering mechanism 24 provides a means for guiding the tractor front wheels in Aa conventional manner 'during three axle operation of the vehicle, and also incorporates an auxiliary steering mechanism 25 for adjusting the steering valve spool 140 which controlssteering jacks 90 and 91 during two axle operation.

Referring to steering mechanism 24, best shown in Figs. 3 and 4, steering shaft 27 includes an upper shaft 173, one end of which is journaled -within housing 29 by Vsuitable bearings 175 and is drivingly connected with av lower shaft 174 by means of a splined connection at 176.

Shaft 174 is drivingly connected with rock-shaft ,31 by piston member 177 includes a sleeve portion 180 coaxially carried on the shaft 173; and a radial flange formed on sleeve 180 forms `a piston 181 which is slidably carvried within cylinder 17-8. An air tight seal is provided between piston member 177 and cylinder 178 bymeans of an O-ring 182 carried on piston 181 and O-ring 183 carried on the one end of sleeve 180 which is received in bore 179 of housing 29. A clutch member 184 is rotationally carried on sleeve 180 by means of ball bearings 185 and is held in axially xed thrust transmitting relationship therewith by means of retainer rings 186 and 187. Clutch. member 184 has aradial flange which serves as a first clutch plate 190. Integrally ixed on clutch member 184 is an auxiliary steering actuating lever 191 which is operative to transmit motion to adjust the axial displacement of valve spool 140.

A second clutch plate 193 is splined on the lower steer'- ing shaft 174 and is complementary to and engageable with clutch plate 190. Downward'thrust on clutch plate 193 will be resisted by housing 29 through ball bearings 194, the latter also serving to rotationally support shaft 174. A spring 195 reacts between a spring retainer 196 and piston 181 to urge piston member 177,axial1y upward to disengage the clutch plates and 193, as shown in Fig, 3.

Clutch plates 190 and 193 together with spring 195 form a steering clutch that must'ibe frictionally engaged, as shown in Fig. 4, in order ,to transmit motion-'from steering wheel 26 to actuating lever 191. Movement of lever 191 may then be transmitted to valve spool 140 by means of a motion translating linkage 197, shown in Fig. 9. In this condition it will be apparent that rotational movement of steering wheel 26 displaces valve spool 140 in an axial direction. The steering clutch has been designed with limited torquecapacity in order that the operf ator may overpower or slip the clutch when the auxiliary steering valve spool 140v reaches either end of its stroke. Such an operation occasionally may. be required to align steerable front wheels 16 of tractor 12 before Adisengaging the auxiliary steering mechanism 25.

Because relay ports 152 the spool lever 201. The opposite end of the lever 201` is pivotally connected on the bottom portion of the housing 112 by means of a pivot pin,.not.shown. The steer-4 ing valve spool 140 is connected to lever 201 by means of a pivot joint 204 whereby pivotal movement of lever 201' about its pivot pin displaces valve spool 140 in an axial direction. Y

VReferring to Fig. 3, diagrammatically illustrated air pressure system 206 supplies air under pressure to cylinder 178 for bringing about engagement of clutch plates 190 and 193 in order to connect lever 191 for rotation with manual steering Wheel 26. The air pressure system is of the conventionalV type and includes an engine driven air compressor 207 which-supplies compressed air from air tank 209 to va 'control valve 208 by means of conduits 210. Control valve 208 has two positions, open and closed, and in the latter position directs air into cylinder 178 by means of conduit 211. Valve 208 is actuated by the weight transfer apparatus 171 and is effective to synchronize the operation of apparatus 171 with that o f the auxiliary steering mechanism 25, as will be presently explained in detail.

AWeldment 213 is integral with pedal 218 and extends below the floor plate 214 through a suitable opening therein and pivots about pin 216. Foot pedal 218 is operatively connected with valve spool 164 by means of a thrust transmitting linkage 220 which includes a link member 221 having one end pivotally connected to lever portion 219 by means of a pin 222 and having the opposite end pivotally connected to one end of the spool lever 224 by means of pin 225. The opposite end of lever 224 is pivotally connected on the lower portion of housing 112 by means of a pivot pin 226 which shares a common axis with the pivot pin, not shown, of lever 201. Spool lever 224 is pivotally connected to the weight transfer valve spool 164 by means of pin 227 whereby pivotal movement of lever 224 about pin 225 will displace spool 164 axially within bore 127.

Foot pedal 218 effectively serves also to actuate valve 208 which as previously mentioned regulates air flow to and from air cylinder 178. Valve 208 is mounted below floor plate 214 by means of a support member 229 and is actuated by a cam follower arm 230, one end of which is pivoted on a portion of the valve housing 231 by means of pin 232. This same end of arm 230 has a portion engageable with actuator 233 of the air valve 208. A roller r 234 is mounted on the opposite end of arm 230. Roller 234 together with -arm 230 serves as a cam follower which is maintained in thrust transmitting engagement with a cam 235 formed on lever portion 219. The cam follower is maintained in engagement with cam 235 by means of a tension spring 236 which interconnects the end of arm 230 adjacent roller 234 and the foot pedal 218. As pedal assembly 213 is pivoted about pin 216, arm 230 will be pivoted about pin 232 thereby manipulating actuator 233 of valve 208. In Fig. l5, for example, actuator 233 is disposed in the closed position; whereas' in Figs. 6 through 9 arm 230 has been pivoted downwardly about pin 232 thereby depressing actuator 233 to the open position of valve 208. Y

Spring 236 is effective to bias pedal assembly 218 to the nonoperating or first position corresponding to the steering lioat weight transfer oat position of spool 164, as shown in Fig. 5. A projection 237 is formed on the surface of cam 235 and acts as a detent for the cam follower so as to releasably retain pedal assembly 213 in an intermediate control position corresponding to, the steeringv fhold weight transfer hold position of spool' 164, as shown in Fig. 8.

Operation Y Figs. l, 3 and 5 show the disposition of the steering mechanism 24 and the weight transfer mechanism 170 during operation of the tractor and scraper as a three axle vehicle. In this condition vehicle 11 is being guided by the tractors dirigible front wheels 16 which are con-A trolled by hand wheel 26. Referring specifically to Fig.l

61 and`62 communicate freely with exhaust passage 117 throughpload port 145 and exhaust port 150; and that both ends of cylinders 93 and 95 of auxiliary steering jacks 90 and 91 communicate freely with the exhaust passage .1117 through relay ports 152 and 153, and exhaust ports 151 and 161. In this condition rams 63 and 65 and 94 and 96 are allowed to float in their respective cylinders thereby permitting free articulation of the tractor 12 with respect to the scraper 13 about the vertical pivot axis 88, transverse horizontal axis and longitudinal axis 83.

The fluid pressure control system 15 and the steering and Weight transfer control apparatus 170 is so designed that the auxiliary wagon type steering system may be engaged without the tractor front wheels being lifted off the ground. It may be desirable to independently activate the auxiliary steering, for example, in order to prevent jackkniing of the tractor and scraper which might occur when operating the vehicle over a slippery roadway.

To activate the auxiliary steering control valve system the operator simply depresses foot pedal 218 until the foot pedalassembly 213 is pivoted to its second position, as illustrated in Fig. 6. In this position, cam 235 causes cam follower arm 230 to be pivoted downward thereby depressing actuator 233 which adjusts air valve 208 to its open position. In the open position compressed air is directed through valve 208 and into air cylinder 178 causing piston member 179 to be displaced downwardly against the resistance of spring y195 engaging clutch plate 190 with clutch plate 193. The steering valve spool 140 may now be manipulated by the hand wheel 26.

Pivoting of pedal assembly 213 to the second position, as shown in Fig. 6, also displaces the weight transfer valve spool 164 axially to the right and to its auxiliary steering hold weight transfer float position wherein relay ports 152 and 153, respectively, are closed from communication with the exhaust passage 117 thereby hy- 1drostatically locking rams 94 and 96 in their respective cylinders 93 and 95. Jacks 90 and 91 are now responsive to the axial adjustment of valve spool 140 which has been automatically placed in a hold position by the adjustment of valve spool 164. Jacks 61 and 62, however, are not affected because valve spool 164 remains in a weight transfer float position with load port 145 freely Vcommunicating with exhaust passage 117.

In the weight transfer float auxiliary steering hold" condition, as illustrated in Fig. 6, the hitch mechanism 14 will permit free articulation of scraper 13 with respect to tractor 12 about the transverse horizontal pivot axis 60 and the longitudinal pivot axis 83. The angular relationship of the tractor with respect to the scraper about vertical pivot axis 88, however, is now positively regulated by means of steering jacks and 91 which are controlled by valve spool which in turn is manipulated by the steering wheel 26.

Upon release of foot pedal 218 from the second position of Fig. 6 the pedal assembly 213 being biased by spring 236 will return to the first position, as shown in Fig. 5. Simultaneously, valve spool y164 will be returned to the auxiliary steering float and weight transfer float position shown in Fig. 5; and arm 230 will be pivoted upwardly thereby disengaging actuator 233. Disengagef ment of actuator 233 'adjusts air valve 208 to the' closed position and allows air cylinder 178 to exhaust to the atmosphere through valve 203 as spring 195 returns piston member 179 thereby disengaging clutch plate 5190 and 193.

Should maximum tractive power be required as when operating the vehicle over diicult terrain or during the cutting and loading operation of the scraper, the tractor and scraper may be converted into a two axlelvehicle by actuating the Weight transfer jacks61 and 62 in order to raise the tractor front wheels off the ground.

To initiateweight transfer the foot pedal 218 is depressed to the full actuated position, as shown in Fig. 7, which pivots the pedal assembly 213, actuating airvalve 208 to open and setting oft the chain of events which results in rotationally locking the auxiliary steering lever 191 with steering wheel 26, as shown in Fig. 4, as hereinbefore described. p

Referring specifically to Fig. 7, valve spool 140 remains in the centered position, as shown in Fig. 5, but the pivoting of pedal assembly 213 hasmoved valve spool V164 to the extreme right into Ithe Weight transfer raise position. -In the raise position pressurized fluid is directed into the weight transfer jacks 61 and 62. In response to the power fluid weight transfer jacks 61 and 62 are contracted whereby the tractor is tilted with respect to the scraper about the horizontal transverse pivot axis 60. As will be apparent, the degree of tilting is under the operators control; and if necessary, the tractors front wheels may be raised olf the ground as much as thirty inches, as shown in Fig. 2.

Referringto Fig. 8, upon release of the foot pedal 218, spring 236 will return pedal assembly 213 to the intermediate position, which corresponds to a weight transfer hold steering hold position of valve spool 164. The pedal is retained in this position due to roller 234 engaging projection 237 on cam 235. Withrvalve spool 164 disposed inthe weight transfer hold position, load port` 145 is closed from communication with the exhaust passage 117 which hydrostatically locks jacks 61 and 62` in the `desired degree of contraction whereby the tractor may be held in any preselected degree of tilted condition. By retaining valve spool 164 in the weight transfer hold position, valve spool `140 is automatically disposed in the auxiliary steering hold position with steering jacks 90 and 91 being hydrostatically locked, as was previously explained in connection with Fig. 6.

According to the position` of the valve spools and steering lever 191, illustrated in Figs. 6 and 8, vehicle 11 is operating in the straight ahead position with valve spool 164 adjusted so that valve spool 140 is in the auxiliary steering hold position. Assuming now that it is necessary` to deploy the wagon type auxiliary steering so as to guide the vehicle to the right, steering wheel 26 is turned clockwise, as viewed from the operators station 23. Movement of steering wheel 26 in this direction simultaneously rotates auxiliary steering lever 191 in a clockwise direction and displaces the steering valve spool 140 to the left and into the right turn position, as shown inleferring to Fig. 9, in the right turn position inlet port 129 is connected for communication with load port 132 so that pressurized fluidl is transmitted to the rearward end of cylinder 95 and to the forward end of cylinder 93; and load port 131 is connected with exhaust port 133 so that trapped iluid in the forward end of cylinder 95 and the rearward end of cylinder 93 may be evacuated to the exhaust passage 117. This results in steering jack 91 being expanded and steering jack 90 being contracted. The reactive force of jacks 90 and 91 is transmitted through linkages 99 and 99 to the scraper causing the tractor unit 12 to be angled to the right about the vertical king pin axis 88.

Although Fig. 9 illustrates the maximum ninety degree: angled position to the right, it will be apparent that anydesired degreeof angling is obtainable by simply releasing left about axis S8, steering Wheell 26 is simply turned in a counterclockwise direction.. The simultaneous counterclockwise rotation of lever 191 `displaces spool valve 140 to the right opening load port 131 for communication with inlet port 128 thereby directing pressurized uid' to the Vrearward end of cylinder 93 and the forward end of cylinder 95; and connecting load port 132 and'exhaust port 134 lso that the rearward end of cylinder 95 and the k forward end of cylinder 93 communicate with the exhaust passage 117. In this position jack 90 will be expandedl and jackv 91 will be contracted. If the Wheel 26 is held' in the left turn position, the tractor unit will swing to the; left about pivot axis 88 until it eventually reaches the; ninety degree left turn position. Any degree ofleftwardi angling may, of course, be obtained by simply returning; valve spool to the hold position.

In order to returnthe vehicle from the two axle tilted condition of Fig. 2 to the three axle condition'of Fig. lv foot pedal 218 is simply returned from the intermediate: position of Fig. 9 to the first position of Fig. 5 whichl moves valve spool 164 to the left and opens cylinders 64- and 66 for communication with the exhaust passage 117,. as shown in Fig. 5.. Jacks 61 and 62 will now be free; to expand as the weight of tractor 12 causes it to pivot; downwardly about axis 60 until front wheels 16 are:l firmly engaged withthe ground. As foot pedal 218 is; returned to the first position, air valve 208 is automatically` closed which disengages the auxiliary steering actuatingf mechanism so that the three axle vehicle may be guidedi' by the tractors steerable front -wheels16 under the controli of steering Wheel 26.

From the foregoing detailed description it will be.A apparent that a new and useful manually operated vehicle-l steering and weight transfer control apparatus has been; illustrated wherein an auxiliary steering mechanism is coordinated with a weight` transfer control mechanism..

Manipulation of the Vweight transfer control foot pedali` automatically engages an auxiliary steering mechanism soJV that both the tractor steerable front wheels and the auxil-Y iary wagon type steering system may be operated by thef same hand steering wheel. This apparatus together withv appropriate' control valving enables an operator to rapidly' convert tractor 12 and scraper 13 from a thee axle vehicle toa tWo axle vehicle and to exercise complete and positive steering control throughout the conversion.

Also the foot pedal and hand steering Wheel arrangement will be readily familiar to any driver Who has had experience operating a conventional automotive type vehicle. v'

l It is to be understood that this invention is not to be lnnited to the particular sequence of control positions of apparatus 170. The sequence disclosed is merely a convenient one which complements the particular control valving that has been selected to illustrate the invention.

It is to be understood further that although only one embodiment of the invention has been described, it is not intended to limit any patent granted hereon otherwise than is necessitated by the scope of the appended claims.

Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention and the manner in which it is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is:

1. A steering control mechanism for a motor vehicle comprising a support; a manually controlled steering shaft rotatably connected on said support; motion translating complementaryk to andnengageable with said rst clutch member; an auxiliary steering control lever connected for rotation with said driven clutch member; and an expansible and contractible fluid motor means reacting between said supporting and vone of said clutch members for moving the latter axially into frictional engagement with the other of said clutch members thereby connecting said auxiliary steering lever for rotation with said steeringY shaft.

2. The combination set'forth in claim 1 wherein said driving and driven clutch members and said fluid motor means are all coaxial with said steering shaft.

3. The combination set forth in claim 2 wherein said driven clutch member is connected in thrust transmitting relationship with said piston member. t

4. A steering control mechanism for a motor vehicle comprising a support; a manually rotatable steering shaft rotatably attached on said support; motion translating means carried on said support for interconnecting said steering shaft with a steerable ground wheel of the vehicle; a driving clutch member coaxial with and rotationally carried on said steering shaft; a driven clutch member rotatably mounted on the support and being complementary to and engageable with said driving clutch; an auxiliary steering control lever rotationally connected with said driven clutch member; a fluid motor cylinder on said support and coaxial with said steering shaft; a piston member slidable within said cylinder and in thrust transmitting relationship with one of said clutch members, one of said clutch members being moved axially by said piston into frictional engagement with the other of said clutch members thereby connecting said auxiliary steering lever for rotation with said steering shaft.

5. A steering control mechanism for a motor vehicle comprising a support housing; a manually controlled steering shaft rotatably carried on said support housing; motion translating means for interconnecting said shaft with a steerable ground wheel; a rst clutch member coaxial with and rotationally carried on said steering shaft;

a fluid motor cylinder formed by the interior walls of said support housing coaxial with said steering shaft; a piston member slidable within sm'd cylinder; a driven clutch member rotationally carried within said support housing and being complementary to and engageable with said first clutch member; an auxiliary steering control lever rotatably carried on said driven clutch member, said driven clutch member to be moved by `axial movement of said piston into frictional engagement with said first clutch member thereby connecting said auxiliary steering lever for rotation with said steering shaft.

6. In a self-propelled articulated earth moving vehicle of the type including a two axle tractor unit having a main frame and steerable front wheels, a single axle trailing unit, weight transfer means interposed between said units 'forconverting said vehicle into a two axle unit, and an auxiliary wagon type steering system for controlling the horizontal angular relationship between said tractor and trailing units; a steering mechanism comprising: a support housing carried on the tractor main frame; a manually rotatable steering shaft having one end journaled in said housing; means for steer-ably connecting said one end of said shaft with the tractors steerable front wheels; a driving clutch member rotationally fixed in coaxial relationship on said shaft; a driven clutch member rotatably carried within said housing and being complementary to and engageable with said driving clutch member; a lever for actuating said auxiliary wagon type steering system and being rotationally connected with said driven clutch member; expansible land contractible fluid motor means coaxial with said shaft and reacting between said support housing and one of said clutch members whereby expansion of said motor means urges said one clutch member in one axial direction into frictional engagement with the other of said clutch members thereby connecting said steering lever for rotation with said steering shaft; uid pressure means including a control valve for Idirecting pressure fluid into said uid motor means to expand the latter; a manual control lever for operating said weight transfer control system; and thrust transmitting means for transmitting movement of said control lever to -actuate said control valve whereby pressure fluid is directed into said fluid motor.

7. In a self-propelled articulated earth moving vehicle of the type including a two axle tractor unit having a main frame and steerable front wheels, a single axle trailing unit, weight transfer means interposed between said units for converting said vehicle into a two axle unit, and an auxiliary wagon type steering system for controlling the horizontal angular relationship between said tractor and trailing units; a vehicle steering and weight transfer control apparatus comprising: a housing carried on the tractor main frame; a manually rotatable steering shaft having one end journaled in said housing; means for steerably connecting said shaft with said steerable wheels; a tirst clutch member rotationally carried in coaxial relationship on said shaft; a uid pressure cylinder formed by the interior walls of said housing in coaxial relationship with said shaft; a piston member slidable within said cylinder; a driven clutch member rotatably carried on and in axially fixed relationship with this piston; an auxiliary steering lever rotationally fixed to said second clutch member; a fluid pressure system including a control valve being operative to direct pressurized lluid into said fluid pressure cylinder for displacing said piston and frictionally engaging said clutch members; and a `foot pedal pivotally carried on said tractor for selectively actuating said weight transfer means; and thrust transmitting means for transmitting movement of said foot pedal to actuate said control valve whereby said auxiliary steering lever is rotationally connected with saidmanual steering shaft upon actuation of the weight transfer system.

8. In an articulated self-propelled earth moving vehicle of the type including a two axle tractor unit having a main frame and steerable front wheels, a single axle trailing unit, weight transfer means interposed between said units for converting said vehicle into a two axle unit, and auxiliary steering means for controlling the horizontal angular relationship between said tractor and trailing units, ya vehicle steering and weight transfer control apparatus comprising: a steering mechanism including a housing carried on the tractor main frame; a manually rotatable steering shaft having one end journaled in said housing; means for steerably connecting said shaft with said steerable front wheels; a first clutch member rotationally xed in coaxial relationship on said shaft; a fluid motor cylinder in fixed relationship with said `housing and coaxial with said shaft; a piston member slidable within said cylinder; and a driven clutch member rotatably carried on and in axially fixed relationship with said piston; an auxiliary steering lever rotationally xed on said driven clutch member, axial `displacement of said piston in one direction moves said driven clutch member into frictional engagement with said rst clutch member thereby connecting said auxiliary steering lever for rotation with said steering shaft; a iluid pressure means including a control valve for controlling said piston, said valve being shiftable from ya normally closed position into an open position for directing pressurized tiuid intofsaid cylinder to move said piston axially in said one direction; and an actuating mechanism for said weight transfer means including -a manually operable lever pivotally carried on said tractor, said lever being pivotable from a nonoperating position into a rst position, a camming portion formed on said lever, a cam follower having one end in thrust transmitting engagement with said cam portion and the other end operatively connected to said control valve, whereby movement of said lever to said rst position automatically adjusts the control valve to said open position.

9. In an articulated self-propelled three axle earth movl ing .vehicle of the type including a two axle tractor unit having a main frame and steerable front wheels, a single fixed in coaxial relationship on said steering shaft; a 4lluid motor cylinder formed by the interior walls of said support housing in coaxial relationship with said shaft, a piston member slidablexwithin said cylinder, a driven clutch member rotationally carried on and in axially fixed v 14 in said weight transfer means are actuated -to raise the steerable tractor wheels off the ground, and a hold position to maintain the tractor Wheels in a-raised condition out of steering engagement with the ground; a camming portion on said foot pedal assembly; a cam follower having one end in thrust transmitting engagement with said cam portion and the other end-operatively connected to said valve, upon movement of said foot pedal into either of said raise and hold positions said valve being automatically actuated to anopen position.

10. The combination set forth in claim 9 wherein a detent means is provided on said cam portion and being engageable with said cam follower to releasably maintain said foot pedal assembly in the hold position.

11. The combination set forth-in claim l0 wherein t the hold-position is between the nonoperating and raise relationship with said piston; a steering lever for actuating said auxiliary steering means being rotationally fixed on said driven clutch member, displacement of said piston in one axial direction moves said driven clutch member into frictional engagement with said driving clutch member thereby connecting said auxiliary steering lever for rotation with said steering shaft; spring means for biasing said driven clutch out of engagement with said driving clutch; a lluid pressure means including a control valve for directing pressurized fluid into said cylinder to displace said piston in the axial direction against the biasing force of said springmeans, said valve being shiftable from a normally closed position to an open position; and a foot pedal assembly for selectively actuating said weight transfer means including a foot pedal pivotally carried on said tractor, saidpfoot pedal being pivotablev from a nonoperative position into a raise position wherel positions, and wherein a spring means is provided for biasing said foot pedal from the raise position to the hold position.

12. The combination set forth in claim ll wherein said foot pedal is provided with a Irst position intermediate said hold and nonoperating positions, in said first position only said control valve is activated to the open position without operating the weight transfer means, said foot pedal being biased by said spring means from they v rst position to the nonoperating position.

References Cited inthe file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,374,410 Brumbaugh Apr. 24, 1945 2,885,022 Rockwell May 5, 1959 

